"This
class of ship is ideal for working in this area," said Capt. Brendan
McLane, commander, Destroyer Squadron 50. "Having two additional
assets will greatly increase our ability for continued maritime security
operations and theater security cooperation in the Fifth Fleet."
PCs are an integral part of U.S. 5th Fleet, allowing the U.S. Navy with
a fast, reliable platform that can respond to emergent requirements
in a shallow water environment. The primary mission of these ships is
coastal patrol and interdiction surveillance, an important aspect of
littoral operations.
These ships are regularly used to escort larger ships, provide maritime
security, protect infrastructure, as well as participate in exercises
with allies and regional partners.
PCs stationed in Bahrain have permanent crews, allowing families to
accompany their Sailors to the island. The shift from six-month rotational
crew to permanent manning alleviates the significant strain that was
placed on Sailors and their families.
"The well-being of our Sailors and families is critical to the
accomplishment of our missions and this shift to permanent crews has
improved that," said McLane.
The PC fleet has been active in the U.S. 5th Fleet since 2003, providing
a mission of dedicated maritime security and force protection capability.
These ships are ideal platforms for working with partner navies in the
Gulf. The navies and coast guard of coalition partners operate similar
sized ships, with similar systems and capability fostering better interoperability
in the maritime domain.
U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility encompasses about 2.5 million
square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman,
Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises 20 countries
and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the
Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. |
